Sensor

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor capable of improving the problems of increased circuit size and power consumption when the number of loop sections increases, while also preventing the deterioration of the loop sections due to bending of the sensor. The sensor has multiple regions as areas where loop coils are arranged. A predetermined loop coil is configured such that a first loop section disposed in a first region among the multiple regions of the sensor and a second loop section disposed in a second region different from the first region are connected in series.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor suitable for use in an electromagnetic induction type coordinate input device. Background Technology

[0002] A sensor used in an electromagnetic induction type coordinate input device is configured such that, for example as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-186784), a plurality of rectangular loop coils are arranged (arranged) on a rectangular printed circuit board in the X direction (horizontal direction of the printed circuit board) and the Y direction (vertical direction of the printed circuit board) at a predetermined arrangement pitch. Each loop coil is provided with a loop portion and is configured to be driven independently, one by one.

[0003] Recently, for example, portable devices such as portable telephone terminals or portable computers have been provided, wherein a sensor as described above is superimposed on the back side of a display element (display element) equipped with a display screen for displaying text or images, and configured to have the function of a coordinate input device capable of detecting a position indication by an electronic pen on the display screen using the sensor. This type of portable device is very convenient and has good usability because it can receive various operation inputs through the display screen.

[0004] Furthermore, recently, the display screens of this type of portable device have been increasing in size. However, increasing the size of the display screen leads to an increase in the size of the portable device, raising concerns about reduced portability. Therefore, portable devices have been proposed in which the housing can be folded by using a bendable flexible display element, and devices capable of securing a large display screen while maintaining miniaturization have also emerged (see, for example, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-510065)). Prior art literature

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-186784 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-510065 The problem to be solved

[0006] However, the aforementioned electromagnetic induction type sensor can be made bendable by using a flexible substrate. Therefore, it is considered that a portable device equipped with a coordinate input device capable of receiving position indication by an electronic pen can be configured to be foldable by combining a flexible display element as disclosed in Patent Document 2 and a bendable sensor.

[0007] In a portable device equipped with such an input device, the entire surface of one side of the housing when it is fully unfolded from a folded state can be made into a display screen of a flexible display element, thereby forming a display screen twice the size of the folded state, and in addition, the same area as the display screen can be made into a detection area of ​​a sensor to detect a position indication by an electronic pen.

[0008] However, as described above, if the portable device is configured to be foldable, there is a risk that the following problems may occur.

[0009] That is, in the case of the portable device described above, the folded state and the unfolded state are frequently repeated. Because of this, there is a risk that the electrode conductor in the bending part of the sensor may deteriorate due to the repeated folding.

[0010] One way to solve this problem is to configure the device with two sensors separated by a bending section, and process the position detection outputs of the two sensors with an output information processing unit to combine them in the same way as the position detection output from a single sensor.

[0011] However, when configured in this way, since it is necessary to drive the loop coils of the two sensors independently, compared to when configured with a single foldable sensor, the number of channels in the driving circuit to drive each loop coil is doubled, and there is a problem that the circuit becomes larger and power consumption increases.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a sensor capable of solving the above problems. means of solving the problem

[0013] In order to solve the above problem,

[0014] A sensor having multiple regions as regions where loop coils are disposed,

[0015] A sensor is provided characterized in that a predetermined loop coil is configured such that a first loop portion disposed in a first region among the plurality of regions and a second loop portion disposed in a second region different from the first region are connected in series.

[0016] In the sensor of the above configuration, a predetermined loop coil is configured such that a first loop section and a second loop section, which exist in a divided first region and a second region, are connected in series. Therefore, by configuring the space between the first region and the second region with a bendable member, it becomes possible to fold. In addition, since the two loop sections are connected in series, the loop coil consisting of the two loop sections can be driven as a single channel, thereby reducing the number of channels in the driving circuit. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an example of a portable device equipped with an embodiment of a sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an embodiment of a sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of a plurality of loop sections of an embodiment of a sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a loop coil in the Y-axis direction in an embodiment of a sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a loop coil in the X-axis direction in an embodiment of the sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an example of a plurality of loop sections of another embodiment of the sensor according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of a sensor according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, along with examples of portable devices using said sensor.

[0019] [Explanation of Mobile Device Etiquette]

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an example of a portable device using an embodiment of a sensor according to the present invention, and is an example of a portable device having a foldable configuration using a housing configured to be bendable.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of the configuration of the portable device of this example. The portable device (1) of this example is configured to have a foldable housing (2), a flexible display element (3), and additionally, a foldable electromagnetic induction sensor (4). Furthermore, the portable device (1) of FIG. 1 is an example in which the housing (2) can be folded (valley fold) toward the display screen of the flexible display element (3). FIG. 1 (A) shows the portable device (1) of this example in an unfolded state, and FIG. 1 (B) shows the folded state.

[0022] In the portable device (1) of this example, when unfolded as shown in (A) of FIG. 1, a display screen (3P) of a flexible display element (3) is exposed. When a position is indicated by an electronic pen (10) of the electronic induction type on this display screen (3P), the indicated position by the electronic pen (10) is detected by an electronic induction type sensor (4) provided on the lower side (back side). In this embodiment, the display area of ​​the display screen (3P) and the position detection area of ​​the sensor (4) are almost identical, and the display screen (3P) becomes an input surface for position indication by the electronic pen (10), and the indicated position of the electronic pen (10) over the entire area is detected by the sensor (4).

[0023] The housing (case) (2) of the portable device (1) of this example has a structure in which a first frame member (21) and a second frame member (22) are foldably connected at hinge portions (23, 24), as shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1. And, a flexible display element (3), a sensor (4), and an electronic circuit portion (not shown in FIG. 1) connected to them are housed within the housing (2). However, the flexible display element (3) is designed to be exposed to the outside when the housing (2) is unfolded.

[0024] As described above, in the portable device (1) of this embodiment, the first frame member (21) and the second frame member (22) are rotated in the hinge portion (23) and the hinge portion (24), so that the housing (2) can be configured to change state from the folded state shown in (B) of FIG. 1 to the unfolded state shown in (A) of FIG. 1. In addition, the position (3F) indicated by the dotted line in (A) of FIG. 1 indicates the bending position of the display screen (3P).

[0025] [Example of configuration within the housing (2) of the portable device (1)]

[0026] As described above, a flexible display element (3), a sensor (4), and an electronic circuit connected thereto are housed within the housing (2). FIG. 2 is an exploded view to explain them.

[0027] The flexible display element (3) is composed of, for example, an organic electroluminescence display (OLED) element or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and has a display screen (3P) in which a number of display pixels are arranged in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). When the horizontal direction of the display screen (3P) is the X-axis direction and the vertical direction is the Y-axis direction, the bending position (3F) is a straight line-shaped position parallel to the Y-axis direction (the bending portion may have a predetermined width), and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among the display areas of the display screen (3P), in the X-axis direction, the left side bordered by the bending position (3F) becomes a left half display area (3PL) surrounded by the first frame member (21), and the right side becomes a right half display area (3PR) surrounded by the second frame member (22). The left half display area (3PL) and the right half display area (3PR) are rectangular areas of the same size in this example.

[0028] On the lower side (the back side of the display screen (3P)) of this flexible display element (3), an electromagnetic induction type sensor (4) is disposed in a state overlapping the flexible display element (3). In this example, the sensor (4) is configured such that a plurality of X-axis direction loop coils (42X) arranged in the X-axis direction and a plurality of Y-axis direction loop coils (42Y) arranged in the Y-axis direction are disposed on a flexible substrate (41).

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, a Y-axis direction loop coil (42Y) is disposed on the surface side of the flexible substrate (41), and an X-axis direction loop coil (42X) is disposed on the back side. In this example, the sensor (4) is disposed, for example, attached to the back side of the display screen (3P) of the flexible display element (3).

[0030] A circuit board (5) is disposed on the side opposite to the contact surface (input surface) of the flexible display element (3) of the sensor (4). In this example, the circuit board (5) is configured such that an electronic circuit section (not shown) is formed on the flexible substrate (51). The electronic circuit section includes a position detection circuit connected to the sensor (4) to detect the position indicated by the electronic pen (10), a display control circuit that generates a display image displayed on the display screen (3P), and a processing control circuit that performs a predetermined control process.

[0031] In this embodiment, the flexible display element (3), the sensor (4), and the circuit board (5) are housed in a superimposed state within the housing (2), and the superimposed flexible display element (3), the sensor (4), and the circuit board (5) can be bent by the rotation of the first frame member (21) and the second frame member (22).

[0032] In FIG. 2, the position (4F) indicated by the dotted line in the sensor (4) is the bending position of the sensor (4) corresponding to the bending position (3F) of the flexible display element (3), and also, the position (5F) indicated by the dotted line in the circuit board (5) is the bending position of the circuit board (5) corresponding to the bending position (3F) of the flexible display element (3).

[0033] [Effective form of sensor]

[0034] Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the sensor (4) of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an example of the configuration of the sensor (4) of this embodiment, and mainly shows an example of the configuration of loop parts (42XL, 42XR, 42YL, 42YR) described later, which constitute a loop coil (42X) in the X-axis direction and a loop coil (42Y) in the Y-axis direction formed on a flexible substrate (41).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor (4) has a conductor distribution area of ​​the loop portion of the loop coil of the flexible substrate (41) divided into two parts in the X-axis direction with respect to the bending position (4F) in this example, a left area (example of the first area) (AR1) and a right area (example of the second area) (AR2). In this example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which will be described later, a gap area (GA) is formed between the left area (AR1) and the right area (AR2). The length (width) of the gap area (GA) in the X-axis direction is a relatively short length that includes the bending position (4F) and, when bent, reduces or prevents deterioration of the conductor of the loop portion formed in the left area (AR1) and the right area (AR2).

[0036] In this example, the left area (AR1) and the right area (AR2) of the sensor (4) are rectangular areas of the same size corresponding to the left half display area (3PL) and the right half display area (3PR) of the display area, and are adjacent through a gap area (GA).

[0037] And, in each of the left area (AR1) and right area (AR2) of the sensor (4), loop sections (42XL, 42XR) for configuring multiple X-axis direction loop coils (42X) and loop sections (42YL, 42YR) for configuring multiple Y-axis direction loop coils (42Y) are formed.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the loop portions (42XL, 42XR) are arranged in the left region (AR1) and the right region (AR2), respectively, in order from the left side to the right side of the flexible substrate (41), with a predetermined arrangement pitch allowing for mutual overlap. Additionally, the loop portions (42YL, 42YR) are arranged in the left region (AR1) and the right region (AR2), respectively, in order from the upper side to the lower side of the flexible substrate (41), with a predetermined arrangement pitch allowing for mutual overlap.

[0039] In this case, the conductor of the loop coil is not formed in the gap area (GA) between the left area (AR1) and the right area (AR2). Therefore, even if the sensor (4) is bent at the bending position (4F), the problem of deterioration of the loop coil conductor at the bending position (4F) does not occur.

[0040] However, in the case where a plurality of loop sections (42XL, 42XR) and a plurality of loop sections (42YL, 42YR) are provided in each of the left area (AR1) and right area (AR2) of the sensor (4), and each of those loop sections is driven as a single loop coil, the number of loop coils that must be driven by the driving circuit becomes larger compared to the case where a plurality of X-axis direction loop coils and a plurality of Y-axis direction loop coils are arranged throughout the flexible substrate (41), and the driving circuit becomes larger and the power consumption increases.

[0041] In the sensor (4) of this embodiment, between the multiple loop portions (42XL) in the X-axis direction provided in the left area (AR1) and the multiple loop portions (42XR) in the X-axis direction provided in the right area (AR2), certain ones are connected in series to form one loop coil, thereby making the number of X-axis direction loop coils to be driven equal to the case where multiple X-axis direction loop coils are arranged throughout the flexible substrate (41).

[0042] Likewise, between the multiple loop sections (42YL) in the Y-axis direction provided in the left area (AR1) and the multiple loop sections (42YR) in the Y-axis direction provided in the right area (AR2), certain ones are connected in series to form a single loop coil, thereby making the number of Y-axis direction loop coils to be driven equal to the case where multiple Y-axis direction loop coils are arranged throughout the flexible substrate (41).

[0043] As described below, in this embodiment, a predetermined loop section configured as a single loop coil by connecting in series is formed such that a portion of it is close to each other with a gap area (GA) in between, in the plurality of loop sections (42XL) and plurality of loop sections (42XR) in the X-axis direction, and in the plurality of loop sections (42YL) and plurality of loop sections (42YR) in the Y-axis direction.

[0044] Additionally, although omitted, the connection line portion of the driving circuit of the circuit board (5) and each of the loop portions (42XL, 42XR, 42YL, 42YR) is formed on a part of the flexible board (41) of the sensor (4), a part of the circuit board (5), or, in some cases, on a separate flexible board for connecting between these boards (41, 5). And, in the connection line portion, a process is performed to connect a predetermined one of the plurality of loop portions (42XL, 42XR, 42YL, 42YR) in series.

[0045] Using FIGS. 3 to 5, a predetermined loop coil connected in series will be further explained. In addition, in the example of the sensor (4) shown in FIG. 3, the loop sections (42XL, 42XR, 42YL, 42YR) are each configured with 9 loop sections, but it goes without saying that the number of loop sections in FIG. 3 is for convenience of explanation only and is not limited to this.

[0046] In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, nine loop sections (X10, X11, X12, …, X18) are formed as loop sections (42XL) in the X-axis direction in the left region (AR1) of the flexible substrate (41), and nine loop sections (Y10, Y11, Y12, …, Y18) are formed as loop sections (42YL) in the Y-axis direction. Additionally, nine loop sections (X20, X21, X22, …, X28) are formed as loop sections (42XR) in the X-axis direction in the right region (AR2) of the flexible substrate (41), and nine loop sections (Y20, Y21, Y22, …, Y28) are formed as loop sections (42YR) in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] In this example, the loop portions (X10~X18) and loop portions (X20~X28) in the X-axis direction are formed on the back side of the left region (AR1) and right region (AR2) of the flexible substrate (41), and the loop portions (Y10~Y18) and loop portions (Y20~Y28) in the Y-axis direction are formed on the surface side of the left region (AR1) and right region (AR2) of the flexible substrate (41).

[0048] In this example, the loop sections (Y10~Y18) and loop sections (Y20~Y28) in the Y-axis direction are all formed in a rectangular shape of the same size and shape, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 (A) shows one loop section (Y10) and one loop section (Y20) in the left region (AR1) and one loop section (Y20) in the right region (AR2). As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (A), each of the loop sections (Y10~Y18) and loop sections (Y20~Y28) in the Y-axis direction has a length of the long side (Lya), which is the length in the X-axis direction of the rectangular shape, that is slightly shorter than the length in the horizontal direction of the left region (AR1) and the right region (AR2), and a length of the short side (Lyb), which is the length in the Y-axis direction of the rectangular shape, that is longer than the arrangement pitch of the loop sections in the Y-axis direction.

[0049] In addition, the loop portions (Y10~Y18) and loop portions (Y20~Y28) in the Y-axis direction are formed by being arranged in the Y-axis direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch in each of the left region (AR1) and right region (AR2) of the flexible substrate (41). In this case, the loop portions (Y10~Y18) and loop portions (Y20~Y28) are arranged in the Y-axis direction at the same arrangement pitch so that the rectangular short side of the loop portion at the same arrangement position in the left region (AR1) and right region (AR2) is close to each other, as shown in (A) of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0050] Accordingly, regarding the loop portions in the Y-axis direction of the sensor (4) of this embodiment, as is evident from FIG. 3, the rectangular short sides of each of the loop portions (Y10~Y18) in the Y-axis direction of the left region (AR1) of the sensor (4) and the rectangular short sides of each of the loop portions (Y20~Y28) in the right region (AR2) are arranged so that they are all close to each other with a gap region (GA) in between, with those at the same arrangement position.

[0051] In the sensor (4) of this embodiment, as shown in (A) of FIG. 4, the loop portions (Y10~Y18) in the Y-axis direction of the left region (AR1) and the loop portions (Y20~Y28) in the Y-axis direction of the right region (AR2) are all connected in series with those at the same arrangement position to form 9 loop coils. At this time, each of the loop portions (Y10~Y18) of the left region (AR1) and each of the loop portions (Y20~Y28) of the right region (AR2) are connected in series so that current flows in the same direction in the long side portions, as indicated by arrows R1 and R2 in (A) of FIG. 4, and are connected to a driving circuit (5DY).

[0052] For this reason, when each of the loop portions (Y10~Y18) of the left region (AR1) and each of the loop portions (Y20~Y28) of the right region (AR2) connected in series are driven by the driving circuit (5DY), current flows as indicated by arrows R1 and R2 in (A) of FIG. 4, and an induced magnetic field is generated in the area surrounded by each of the loop portions (Y10~Y18) of the left region (AR1) and the area surrounded by each of the loop portions (Y20~Y28) of the right region (AR2).

[0053] However, in this case, as shown in (A) of FIGS. 3 and 4, since the gap region (GA) is short, the induced magnetic field is equivalent to the induced magnetic field when the single loop coil (YT) shown in (B) of FIG. 4, which is formed to surround the sum of the area surrounded by each of the loop portions (Y10~Y18) of the left region (AR1) and the area surrounded by each of the loop portions (Y20~Y28) of the right region (AR2), is driven by the driving circuit (5DY), and the same effect is obtained.

[0054] That is, in the sensor (4) of this embodiment, the distribution area of ​​the loop coil of the flexible substrate (41) is divided into a left area (AR1) and a right area (AR2) in the X-axis direction and is formed by separating it into loop portions (42YL and 42YR) in the Y-axis direction, but by connecting the divided loop portions (42YL) and loop portions (42YR) in series, it can be equivalently configured as a loop coil in the Y-axis direction with the X-axis direction of the entire area of ​​the flexible substrate (41) as the long side.

[0055] As a result, in the sensor (4) of this embodiment, for the plurality of loop coils (equivalent loop coils) in the Y-axis direction arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch in the Y-axis direction, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the conductors in the loop portion when bent and to prevent an increase in the number of channels of the driving circuit. Therefore, the circuit size of the driving circuit of the loop coils in the Y-axis direction can be reduced, making it possible to save power.

[0056] Next, an example of the configuration of the loop coil in the X-axis direction in the sensor (4) of this embodiment will be described.

[0057] The loop coils in the X-axis direction are arranged in the X-axis direction in sequence from one side of the flexible substrate (41) in the X-axis direction to the other side (from the left edge to the right edge) at a predetermined arrangement pitch. In this example, the loop coils in the X-axis direction are rectangular in shape with the same size and shape, and as shown in (A) of FIG. 5, the long side is arranged in the Y-axis direction and the short side is arranged in the X-axis direction. Also, as shown in (A) of FIG. 5, the length of the long side of the loop coil in the X-axis direction is slightly shorter than the length of the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the flexible substrate (41) (Lxa), and the length of the short side is longer than the arrangement pitch of the loop coil (Lxb).

[0058] In the sensor (4) of this embodiment, the length in the X-axis direction of the left region (AR1) and the right region (AR2) of the flexible substrate (41) is smaller than the length (Lxb) of the short side of the loop coil in the X-axis direction. Because of this, among the loop portions (X10~X18) and loop portions (X20~X28) in the X-axis direction of the left region (AR1) and the right region (AR2), the loop portions (X10~X15 and X23~X28) that do not get caught in the bending position (4F) can themselves form a loop coil in the X-axis direction as shown in (A) of FIG. 5.

[0059] However, the loop portions (X16~X18) of the left region (AR1) that fall at the bending position (4F) form a loop portion within the corresponding left region (AR1), so the length of the short side becomes shorter than the length of the short side (Lxb) of the loop coil in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the sum of the lengths of the short side of the loop portions (X16~X18) of the left region (AR1) and the lengths of the short side of the loop portions (X20~X23) of the right region (AR2) is made equal to the length of the short side (Lxb) of the loop coil in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 5 (A). Accordingly, the length of the short side of the loop portions (X20~X22) of the right region (AR2) becomes shorter than the length of the short side (Lxb) of the loop coil in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 5.

[0060] And, by connecting the loop portions (X16~X18) of the left region (AR1) and the loop portions (X20~X22) of the right region (AR2) in series, they are configured to operate equivalently to the loop coil in the X-axis direction shown in (A) of FIG. 5.

[0061] In this embodiment, in the example of FIG. 3, the combination of loop section (X16) and loop section (X20), loop section (X17) and loop section (X21), and loop section (X18) and loop section (X22) is configured so that the sum of the lengths of the short sides is equal to the length (Lxb), and the loop sections of the combination are connected in series as shown in FIG. 5 (B). At this time, in each of the loop sections (X16~X18) of the left region (AR1) and each of the loop sections (X20~X22) of the right region (AR2) as described above, they are connected in series so that current flows in the same direction in the long side portions as indicated by arrows R3 and R4 in FIG. 5 (B), and connected to the driving circuit (5DX).

[0062] Accordingly, when the aforementioned set of loop sections (X16~X18) of the left region (AR1) and loop sections (X20~X22) of the right region connected in series is driven by the driving circuit (5DX), current flows as indicated by arrows R3 and R4 in (B) of FIG. 5, and an induced magnetic field is generated in the area surrounded by each of the loop sections (X16~X18) of the left region (AR1) and the area surrounded by each of the loop sections (X20~X22) of the right region (AR2).

[0063] However, in this case, as shown in (B) of FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, since the gap area (GA) is short, the induced magnetic field is equivalent to the induced magnetic field when the single loop coil in the X-axis direction shown in (A) of FIG. 5, which is formed to surround the sum of the area surrounded by each of the loop portions (X16~X18) of the left area (AR1) and the area surrounded by each of the loop portions (X20~X22) of the right area (AR2), is driven by the driving circuit (5DX), and the same effect is obtained.

[0064] Accordingly, in the sensor (4) of this embodiment, even if the distribution area of ​​the loop coil of the flexible substrate (41) is divided into a left area (AR1) and a right area (AR2) in the X-axis direction, by connecting the loop portion in the X-axis direction near the gap area (GA) between the two areas in series, it is equivalent to arranging a plurality of rectangular loop coils (Fig. 5 (A)) with a long side length of Lxa and a short side length of Lxb in the X-axis direction of the entire area of ​​the flexible substrate (41), in this example, 15 of them at a predetermined arrangement pitch in the X-axis direction.

[0065] As a result, in the sensor (4) of this embodiment, for a plurality of loop coils in the X-axis direction arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch in the X-axis direction, the increase in the number of channels of the driving circuit can be reduced while preventing the deterioration of the conductors in the loop portion when bent. Therefore, the circuit size of the driving circuit of the loop coils in the X-axis direction can be reduced, and power saving is possible.

[0066] [Other embodiments]

[0067] Since the sensor (4) of the above-described embodiment is applied to a portable device in which the housing can be folded in two stages, the distribution area of ​​the loop coil in the sensor (4) is divided into two areas with the bending position (4F) as the boundary. However, the present invention is also applicable in cases where the distribution area of ​​the loop coil in the sensor is divided into three or more areas.

[0068] For example, the present invention can also be applied to a sensor used in a portable device in which the housing can be folded in three stages. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an example of a sensor (4A) used in a portable device in which the housing can be folded in three stages.

[0069] In the sensor (4A) of this example, as shown in (A) of FIG. 6, the distribution area of ​​the loop coil of the flexible substrate (41A) is divided into three adjacent areas (ARa, ARb, ARc) with respect to two bending positions (4F1 and 4F2) in the X-axis direction. Then, in each of the areas (ARa, ARb, ARc), a plurality of loop sections (Xa1~XaM) in the X-axis direction (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2) and loop sections (Ya1~YaN) in the Y-axis direction (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), a plurality of loop sections (Xb1~XbM) in the X-axis direction and loop sections (Yb1~YbN) in the Y-axis direction, and a plurality of loop sections (Xc1~XcM) in the X-axis direction and loop sections (Yc1~YcN) in the Y-axis direction are formed, just as in the above-described embodiment.

[0070] And, regarding the loop coil in the X-axis direction of the sensor (4A), in the same manner as in the case of the sensor (4) of the above-described embodiment, the lengths of the short sides of the multiple loop sections (Xa1~XaM and Xb1~XbM) of the region (ARa) and region (ARb) near the bending position (4F1) are adjusted in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment and are connected in series. In addition, the lengths of the short sides of the multiple loop sections (Xb1~XbM and Xc1~XcM) of the region (ARb) and region (ARc) near the bending position (4F2) are adjusted and are connected in series. By this, the loop coil in the X-axis direction of the flexible substrate (41A) can be formed by equivalently arranging the loop coil sequentially in the X-axis direction at a predetermined arrangement pitch.

[0071] In addition, regarding the loop coil in the Y-axis direction of the sensor (4A), in this example, three loop sections in the Y-axis direction arranged in the X-axis direction in three regions (ARa, ARb, ARc), for example, the loop sections (Ya1, Yb1, Yc1) shown in (A) of FIG. 6, are sequentially connected in series and connected to the driving circuit (5DY). In this case as well, in the series connection of the three loop sections arranged in the X-axis direction, current is configured to flow in the same direction in each loop section.

[0072] In the sensor (4A) of this example, regarding the multiple loop coils in the X-axis direction arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch in the X-axis direction and the multiple loop coils in the Y-axis direction arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch in the Y-axis direction, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the conductors in the loop portion when bent, while preventing an increase in the number of channels of the driving circuit. Therefore, the circuit size of the driving circuit of the loop coils can be reduced, and power saving is possible.

[0073] Also, it goes without saying that it can be configured in the same way even when folded into three or more sections.

[0074] [Other embodiments or variations]

[0075] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in the case of a sensor for a foldable portable device, the substrate of the sensor is made of a flexible substrate, but the first region and the second region, or the three regions of the example of FIG. 6, may each be composed of a rigid printed substrate, and the printed substrates of each region may be connected by a bendable member, for example, a flexible substrate.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the sensor was configured to be foldable as it was a foldable portable device; however, the present invention is also applicable to sensors that do not require bending. Even in such cases, the sensor according to the present invention achieves the effect of suppressing an increase in the number of channels driving multiple loop sections.

[0077] For example, if one wishes to extend the length of the sensor in the X-axis direction, by connecting the loop section of the first region and the loop section of the second region in series as described above, the requirement for extension can be satisfied, and at the same time, the increase in the number of channels driving the loop coil can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the size of the first region and the size of the second region are made identical; however, in cases such as when satisfying the requirement for enlargement, the sizes do not need to be identical and may, of course, be different. Additionally, the shapes may also differ between the first region and the second region. This can also be applied to the case of a sensor for a foldable portable device, even when the sizes of the folding parts may differ from each other.

[0079] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the areas for arranging the first loop section and the second loop section connected in series are adjacent to each other, but they do not need to be adjacent and may be separated. For example, when detecting an indication by a position indicator such as an electronic pen in either the first loop section or the second loop section located at a separate position, connecting the first loop section and the second loop section in series allows the driving channel to be common, thereby reducing the circuit size and contributing to power saving.

[0080] In addition, the shape of the loop is not limited to a rectangle and can be any shape, such as a circle.

[0081] In addition, although the above-described embodiment describes a case where the installation area of ​​the sensor's loop coil is divided in the X-axis direction, the same can be applied when it is divided in the Y-axis direction. However, in that case, the processing of the loop portion in the X-axis direction and the processing of the loop portion in the Y-axis direction are changed from the above-described embodiment.

[0082] In addition, although the above-described embodiment describes a case where a loop coil is installed in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions, the present invention is also applicable to a case where a loop coil is installed in only one of the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0083] In addition, although the first loop section and the second loop section connected in series have been described as having multiple units in the first area and the second area, respectively, the present invention is also applicable when the loop section is installed with one unit in the first area and the second area, respectively. Explanation of the symbols

[0084] 4, 4A… sensor 4F, 4F1, 4F2… bending positions 41, 41A… Flexible substrate AR1… Left region (Example of the first region) AR2… Right region (Example of the second region) 42XL and X10~X18… Loop portion in the X-axis direction of the left area (example of the first area) 42XR and X20~X28… Loop portion in the X-axis direction of the right region (example of the second region) 42YL and Y10~Y18… Loop section in the Y-axis direction of the left region (example of the first region) 42YR and Y20~Y28… loop section in the Y-axis direction of the right region (example of the second region) GA… Niche Area

Claims

Claim 1 A device comprising: a display element; and a sensor adjacent to the display element - the sensor comprises a plurality of loop coils arranged in a plurality of regions - wherein a predetermined loop coil among the plurality of loop coils comprises a first loop portion arranged in the first region that is connected in series with a second loop portion arranged in a second region different from a first region within the plurality of regions, and wherein, when operated, current flows from the first loop portion to the second loop portion. Claim 2 The device according to claim 1, wherein the display element and the sensor are flexible, and the bending portion of the display element corresponds to the bending portion of the sensor. Claim 3 In claim 2, the bending portion of the sensor is a device located between the first region and the second region. Claim 4 An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a circuit board coupled to the loop coil. Claim 5 In claim 4, the circuit board is flexible, and the bending portion of the circuit board corresponds to the bending portion of the display element and the bending portion of the sensor. Claim 6 In claim 4, the loop coil is a device located between the display element and the circuit board. Claim 7 A device according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other. Claim 8 A device according to claim 7, wherein the first and second loop portions of the predetermined loop coil are partially close to each other between the first region and the second region, and the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other. Claim 9 In claim 8, the first and second regions are each rectangular in shape, and the first and second loop portions are each rectangular in shape. Claim 10 An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of first loop portions are arranged in a first direction intersecting a second direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other in the first region, a plurality of second loop portions are arranged in the first direction in which the plurality of first loop portions are arranged in the first region in the second region, and a plurality of predetermined loop coils include the plurality of first loop portions arranged in the first region connected in series with the plurality of second loop portions arranged in the second region, and the plurality of first loop portions and the plurality of second loop portions have portions that are aligned in the first direction and are adjacent to each other. Claim 11 A device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of first loop portions and the plurality of second loop portions each have the same length in the first direction and are formed with the same arrangement pitch. Claim 12 An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of first loop portions are arranged in a first direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other in the first region, and a plurality of second loop portions are formed in the first direction in which the plurality of first loop portions are arranged in the second region, and each of a plurality of predetermined loop coils includes at least one of the plurality of first loop portions connected in series with at least one of the plurality of second loop portions, wherein the plurality of first loop portions have a portion that follows a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the plurality of first loop portions are arranged and is adjacent to a position in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other, and the plurality of second loop portions have a portion that follows the second direction intersecting the first direction in which the plurality of first loop portions are arranged and is adjacent to a position in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other. Claim 13 A device according to claim 12, wherein loop coils other than the plurality of predetermined loop coils are composed only of the plurality of first loop sections or the plurality of second loop sections. Claim 14 An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of first loop portions and the plurality of second loop portions are formed with the same arrangement pitch, and loop coils other than the plurality of predetermined loop coils are composed only of the plurality of first loop portions or the plurality of second loop portions, and the sum of the areas enclosed by the plurality of first loop portions and the plurality of second loop portions connected in series to form the plurality of predetermined loop coils is substantially the same as the area enclosed by the plurality of first loop portions or the plurality of second loop portions of the loop coils other than the plurality of predetermined loop coils. Claim 15 In claim 7, a plurality of first loop portions are included in the first region, and a plurality of second loop portions are included in the second region; among the plurality of first loop portions in the first region, a first plurality of first direction loop portions are arranged in a first direction that intersects a second direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other, and a first plurality of second direction loop portions are arranged in the second direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other; among the plurality of second loop portions in the second region, a second plurality of first direction loop portions are arranged in the first direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other, and a second plurality of second direction loop portions are arranged in the second direction in which the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other; each of a plurality of predetermined loop coils includes a predetermined first direction loop coil arranged in the first direction and a predetermined second direction loop coil arranged in the second direction, and a plurality of predetermined first direction loops A device comprising a coil including a first plurality of first direction loop portions in a first region connected in series with a second plurality of first direction loop portions in a second region, wherein the plurality of predetermined first direction loop coils are aligned in the first direction and have portions adjacent to each other, and a plurality of predetermined second direction loop coils follow a direction intersecting the second direction and have portions adjacent to a position where the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other, and at least one of the first plurality of second direction loop portions formed in the first region and at least one of the second plurality of second direction loop portions formed in the second region, which follows a direction intersecting the first direction and has portions adjacent to the position where the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other. Claim 16 An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, among the plurality of loop coils configured by the first and second plurality of second directional loop portions of the first and second regions, the loop coil other than the first and second plurality of predetermined second directional loop coils is composed only of the first plurality of second directional loop portions of the first region or the second plurality of second directional loop portions of the second region. Claim 17 An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first and second plurality of second-direction loop sections in the first and second regions are formed with the same arrangement pitch, and among the plurality of loop coils formed by the first and second plurality of second-direction loop sections in the first and second regions, the loop coil other than the first and second plurality of predetermined second-direction loop coils is composed only of the first plurality of second-direction loop sections in the first region or the second plurality of second-direction loop sections in the second region, and the sum of the areas surrounded by the first and second loop sections connected in series to form the first and second plurality of predetermined second-direction loop coils is substantially the same as the area surrounded by the first loop section or the second loop section of the loop coil other than the first and second plurality of predetermined second-direction loop coils among the plurality of loop coils formed by the first and second plurality of second-direction loop sections in the first and second regions. Claim 18 A device according to claim 1, wherein at least an intermediate portion between the first region and the second region is configured to be bendable. Claim 19 A device according to claim 18, wherein the first region and the second region have substantially the same shape, and the first region and the second region overlap each other when bent at an intermediate portion between them. Claim 20 A device according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are located on different substrates.

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